NW Labour MEPs: EU funding for flood victims MUST go directly to affected communities

Flooding on The Walk

After months of campaigning North West Labour MEPs Theresa Griffin, Afzal Khan and Julie Ward welcomed the government’s belated application for EU Solidarity Funds to help victims of flooding, but warned that it must go directly to affected communities.

Theresa Griffin MEP said: “Across Cumbria and Lancashire homes were destroyed, livelihoods ruined and large parts of the North West of England were left under water.

“Finally, the government has listened to the calls of Labour MEPs, MPs and Council Leaders and applied for EU Solidarity Funds.

“Although rebuilding is ongoing, the government must learn from its mistakes. There cannot be any more cuts to flood defences and deadlines cannot be left to the last minute – leaving many communities in limbo.”

Afzal Khan MEP said: “The government’s inaction and poor communication has left many in my region feeling lost.

“Many businesses were affected and thousands of homes flooded – the economic impact is estimated at £5 billion.

“The solidarity fund highlights the EUs importance and ability to support local communities. Now we need to ensure this money goes directly to those affected so they can rebuild their lives.”

Julie Ward MEP said: “It is hard to reconcile why the government has left it until the day before the deadline to apply for EU Solidarity Funds.Labour MEPs have been demanding this for months.

“In the absence of government support, citizens have pulled together and the emergency services and local councillors have worked tirelessly to rebuild our communities.

“Hopefully, this fund will further support efforts on the ground and get the North West back on its feet.”